The Senate is headed for an interesting showdown Wednesday on a gun amendment vote.
The provision, sponsored by Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., would allow those with concealed weapons permits to carry their guns across state lines, which is now illegal. Liberal Democrats are vehemently opposed to the amendment and Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin, D-Ill., is working hard to find enough lawmakers to defeat it.
But Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said he will vote for the amendment.
While Reid’s support is not terribly surprising because Nevada is home to many gun owners and Reid is facing a potentially tough re-election fight this year, it pits the Democratic leaders against each other.
Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., who is the number-three Democratic leaders, has also denounced the gun provision.
“We are going to have to fight it out,” Durbin said of his efforts to stop the amendment from becoming part of a defense authorization bill. He refused to take shots at Reid for bringing it to the floor.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., however, said she was surprised and disappointed Reid agreed to even allow the amendment to be considered.
“If it wins, it will be tragic,” she said.
Reid got testy when asked Tuesday about the discord in his caucus over the gun provision.
“You asked me how I’m going to vote and I just told you,” he snapped. “I’m not going to explain why I’m voting. I told you how I’m going to vote. ”
